English professor Michael Demson’s class blends writing, culture, and community with hands-on culinary experiences
HUNTSVILLE, Texas – Students at Sam Houston State University recently blended academics with culture and community through the university’s Academic Community Engagement-designated course Texas Foodways, led by English professor Michael Demson.
Now in its second year, the course explores Texas barbecue traditions and their broader cultural significance, culminating in a spirited on-campus cook-off judged by local partners and alumni. Students collaborated with organizations including H-E-B, Aramark and the Walker County Fair Association, while learning from community leaders like SHSU alumnus Zach Berry.
“The class isn’t just about food—it’s about the stories behind it,” Demson said. “Barbecue connects people, cultures and disciplines.”
Throughout the semester, students engaged in writing projects, facility tours and even engineering collaborations. They also created the official guide for the Walker County Fair BBQ & Chili Cook-Off and served as event judges.
“People who write about and review food, or make videos for social media, are the ones driving food culture,” Demson said. “That’s a great thing for English majors. If someone promotes a specialty food on TikTok, and it goes viral, it often sells out at your local grocery store.”
The students learned this firsthand from SHSU alumnus and Huntsville H-E-B store director Zach Berry, who led them on a tour of the facility early in the semester. The students also visited historic Holy Smoke BBQ at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Huntsville and Bar-A-BBQ in Montgomery, Texas.
The course finale on April 16 featured three student cooking teams. The top prize went to the Meat-aphors, who impressed judges with their plate of ribs, elotes, mac-and-cheese, and pecan pie.
“This course gave us a real-world, community-based writing experience,” said English major Megan Cross. “It’s something I’ll take with me long after graduation.”
